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LISTEN: Pharrell Williams addresses album cover criticism

Pharrell Williams is speaking out against the backlash surrounding the supposed lack of African-American women on his G I R L album cover.

In an interview with New York's Power 105.1 radio, Pharrell says his critics have "jumped the gun" because the woman nearest to him on the cover is black. The Grammy-winning producer also says he's "disappointed" by the criticism on social media.

Furthermore, he points out that if any of those detractors listened to the album, they would know G I R L is "an ode to women, period." He also says he's trying to "kill" the idea that women have to be "white, waif and thin" to be beautiful.

Pharrell also revealed that his second single from G I R L will be a song called "Marilyn Monroe." He says the lyrics reflect his belief that all women deserve respect, no matter their skin color, appearance or sexual orientation.